Psychology Services, Auckland

SB Psychology offer a full range of both patient and referral services to help people manage and cope with addiction.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a physical or psychological need to do, take or use something, to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs — both illicit and prescription — alcohol and nicotine, but it’s possible to be addicted to anything, such as:

• work — workaholics are obsessed with their work to the extent that they suffer physical exhaustion. If your relationship, family and social life are suffering and you never take holidays, you may be a work addict.
• computers — as computer use has increased, so too has computer addiction. People may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or playing games while neglecting other aspects of their lives.
• solvents — ‘volatile substance abuse’ involves inhaling substances such as glue, aerosols, paint or lighter fuel, to give you a feeling of intoxication. Solvent abuse can be fatal.
• shopping — shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don’t need or want in order to achieve a buzz. This is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair.

Whatever a person is addicted to, they can’t control how they use it, and they may become dependent on it to get through daily life.

How can I cope?

• Wait to Respond – When something stressful happens to you, take a moment to breathe deeply and clear your mind. Rushed decisions are often irrational reactions. By thinking and breathing before you react, you can address the situation with a level-head.
• Mindfulness & Meditation – Use mindfulness and meditation techniques to help you work through difficult thoughts and emotions. It can allow you to focus on the present moment, to observe your internal experiences, and to accept them without judgment or negativity.
• Keep busy – In the past, you likely spent your time seeking out, using, or recovering from drugs. Now, you have to replace those old actions with positive ones. Check things off of your to-do list. Do things you’ve been putting off. Watch TV, dance, play music, read a book, do what will make you feel good at the end of the day, and the morning after, too.
• Stay healthy – Part of the recovery process means getting healthy physically – the drugs, without a doubt, took a toll on your physical health. Treat yourself to nutritious, satisfying meals and nourish your body with vitamins and nutrients.
• Exercise – Part of getting healthy involves exercise, too. Due to the endorphins released during physical activity, exercise is a great way to relieve anxiety, stresses, and feelings of depression. It also helps rid the chemicals and toxins that were put into your body from drug abuse.
• Journal – Rather than internalizing your feelings, your demons, your fears and your thoughts, put them down on paper. Get them out. Writing can be a great way to release and work out any thoughts that you are struggling with.
• Build a sober support network – Recovery is not easy, and is important to know that you are never alone in the process. Be open to new relationships that will support your recovery, and build a sober network of reliable, trustworthy peers who you can call at any time of need.

Patient Services

We are currently accepting patients, however you may need a referral from your current doctor before we can begin treatment.